Richie Smallwood is set for a return to Rotherham after Boro accepted an improved £175,000 bid for the midfield battler.

The Boro midfielder is talking over terms with the Millers today after a renewed approach from South Yorkshire.

The Gazette understands Smallwood is poised to sign an emergency loan deal this afternoon so he can be available for Rotherham's home game with Watford tonight with a view to completing a permanent switch tomorrow.

Should Boro sell Richard Smallwood?

500+ VOTES SO FAR

Boro offered Smallwood, 23, a one year extension to his contract at the tail end of last season and he has featured in pre-season but with the arrival of Adam Clayton last week and the possible loan signing of Lewis Baker he has slipped down the pecking order in Aitor Karanka's midfield unit and faced life on the bench.

Smallwood, a product of the Rockliffe Academy, has made 43 starts for Boro and come off the bench 29 times. He has scored four goal.

At Rotherham last term he played 19 times and played a key role as they won the League One play-off final against Orient.